The Season: Rush (Austin Arrows #1) (24 page)

29

Kingston

Saturday, November 12
th

Although I invited Ellie to this function weeks ago, I’ve had second thoughts ever since. Not because I don’t want to be with her. I do. I want to be with her as much as I can; however, I expect tonight to go a certain way, and it’s probably not going to be pretty.

I’ve run into the Withmores at least twice since they cornered me at the Penalty Box and got my full commitment to coming to this shindig. Every time we’ve chatted, they’ve mentioned their daughter, and the last time they even informed me that Cheryl was looking forward to spending time with me. According to Mrs. Withmore, Cheryl misses me. It’s bullshit, I know. Cheryl is the type of woman who likes attention, as are her parents. Doesn’t matter what sort, as long as people are looking at her or talking about her, it makes her feel good. It would be fine if it was innocent, but Cheryl is also the type who likes to make a scene. And I get the feeling tonight will be her perfect opportunity. Especially with Ellie here with me.

But … even though I know how this will go down, I can’t imagine not being able to spend some additional time with Ellie, so she’s here with me as we walk into the monstrous ballroom where the event is being held. I picked her up an hour ago, and she floored me when I walked in her front door. The woman wears a dress like no other woman I know. Tonight’s is a white silk sheath that glimmers and clings to every glorious curve and accentuates her generous cleavage, her olive complexion, and her long legs. Let’s just say, it was damned difficult to leave her house.

“Do you know all these people?” she asks, walking beside me with her arm looped through mine.

“Not a one,” I admit. “Other than the Withmores, that is.”

Her smile widens as she stares up at me. “Then this should be fun.”

Because I want to get that part out of the way, I scan the room and locate the mayor and his wife talking to another couple. Figuring I should probably announce my presence so they’ll give me credit for showing up, I make my way toward them, keeping Ellie close to my side.

When a waiter passes, I grab two flutes of champagne and pass one over to Ellie. I personally can’t stand the stuff, but beggars can’t be choosers, and nasty alcohol is better than no alcohol when you’re surrounded by people whose only goal in life is flaunting how much money they have.

“Ahh, Kingston,” Mr. Withmore greets as soon as he sees me. He turns to the other couple. “If you’ll excuse us.”

I notice Mrs. Withmore’s gaze zoom in on Ellie. A flash of what I can only describe as disapproval darkens her face, but she hides it quickly with another plastic smile.

“Ellie Kaufman,” I begin by way of introduction. “This is Mayor Withmore and his beautiful wife.”

Mrs. Withmore blushes slightly.

Ellie holds out her hand to them both. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

Mayor Withmore looks slightly confused, and I wonder how obtuse you have to be not to recognize the woman who owns the sports bar you go to probably once a week.

“Ellie owns the Penalty Box,” I announce.

“Oh, right,” Mrs. Withmore acknowledges. “Lovely to see you, dear.”

Funny. Based on Mrs. Withmore’s expression, it’s anything but lovely.

Mayor Withmore glances around as though looking for someone. “I know Cheryl is here somewhere. She’s looking forward to seeing you again.” His gaze meets mine once more. “I do hope the two of you get a chance to talk things out.”

Right. Because there is anything for us to talk about.

“We really should go greet more guests, dear,” Mrs. Withmore tells her husband. “It was so nice seeing the two of you here. Thank you so much for coming.”

I nod as I put my arm around Ellie. Have I mentioned how much I hate these things?

When they are out of earshot, Ellie turns to me and grins. “Well, that wasn’t weird at all.”

I can’t resist tipping her chin up a little and pressing my lips to hers. “You look stunning.”

“So you’ve said.” There’s a hint of color that brightens her cheeks, and I’ve got the urge to sneak into a closet somewhere and make out with her. Should our clothes disappear, then so be it. It reminds me of our bet and the fact that I haven’t collected. I wonder if she’ll be up for it tonight.

Maybe this won’t be a total loss after all.

“Kingston Rush.”

Still facing Ellie, I close my eyes and prepare for the storm that’s coming. She must sense my trepidation, because Ellie squeezes my arm gently, as though assuring me this will go smoothly.

“Cheryl,” I bite out, turning to face her while I pull Ellie against my side. “This is Ellie Kaufman. Ellie, meet Cheryl Withmore.”

“Nice to meet you,” Ellie says sweetly, holding out her hand.

It’s obvious Cheryl is assessing Ellie the same way her mother did, but it doesn’t seem to bother Ellie one bit. I should’ve known she would easily be able to hold her own. That’s the kind of woman she is. Tough, smart, resilient. She’s a keeper.

“Ellie,” Cheryl greets, shaking Ellie’s hand with limp fingers. “What is it that you do?”

Ellie glances up at me, smiling before she glances back at Cheryl. “Him.”

Cheryl frowns. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I should’ve said it more clearly. You asked what I do and, well … I do him.”

I hide a laugh with a cough, watching as Cheryl’s face turns crimson. “Classy,” Cheryl mutters.

“Well, probably not any less than no longer needing his services,” Ellie retorts, her tone sweet. “But I should be the one thanking you. Really.” Ellie leans forward and lowers her voice slightly. “The services you no longer needed … let’s just say I’m reaping the benefits. So, for that, thank you.”

Cheryl’s face flames, the color rising to the tips of her ears, and it’s clear she’s going to erupt. “Well, I’ve—”

“You know, we should mingle,” Ellie notes, waving her fingers at Cheryl before urging me in the opposite direction. “I could really use a drink.” She holds up her empty champagne flute. “A real one.”

I put my hand on Ellie’s, which is still gripping my forearm, and lead her toward a darkened alcove in the giant ballroom.

“I don’t see a bar over here,” she says innocuously, peering up at me when I back her against the wall.

I lean down so that I’m eye level with her. “You’re very lucky that all these people are around.”

Her smile widens. “Why’s that?”

“Because if they weren’t, I’d be fucking you right here against the wall.”

Ellie grips the lapels of my tux and pulls me closer. “Such a sweet talker, you are.”

“You have no idea.” I kiss her quickly, then drag her back out to join the others before I follow through with my threat.

I have to admit, it’s very, very tempting.

Ellie

I’ve never been a big fan of these fancy dinners, but I’m fairly adept at holding my own. I had to attend my fair share when I was younger. My parents were always being invited because of their standings in the community. My father was a huge proponent of youth hockey, and he was often the one working to raise money for various charities.

I can honestly say tonight’s event has been relatively easy. Once word got out that Kingston was in attendance, he was swarmed by people who are interested in his volunteer efforts at the hospital. The guy might be incredible in his solitary position in the net, but he’s pretty damn efficient at working a crowd. I love listening to him talk, that distinct Boston accent coming out when he speaks. He’s sexy as hell, and for half the night, I’ve been hoping he would follow through on his threat.

He does that to me.

“You okay?” he asks, his mouth brushing close to my ear as we slow dance with the other couples in attendance.

“I’m great,” I tell him, pulling back and looking into his face. The way his eyes light up when he looks at me sends heat firing through all my cylinders.

“What’s on your mind, Mr. Rush?” I tease.

“Only one thing, I assure you.”

“And what would that be?”

“I seem to recall a certain bet we had…” His grin is wicked.

“Bet?” I let my innocent face fall into place. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

He stops moving and pulls me into him, his mouth lowering back to my ear. “I think it’ll be best if I show you.”

I feign innocence but allow him to lead me off the dance floor. It’s obvious he’s watching to see if anyone notices the direction we’re heading. I don’t bother to look, not wanting to appear too conspicuous. I have an idea of what his plans are, and for the record, I am completely on board.

Kingston leads me out of the ballroom and down a deserted dark hallway. It appears he knows where he’s going, because he never veers off course as we pass door after door. When we reach one marked STORAGE, he quickly turns the knob and ushers me inside.

“I checked out this hallway earlier,” he says smoothly.

“Ever the romantic,” I joke when he closes the door and locks it.

My smile doesn’t last long when he turns the intensity of his gaze on me. He spins us so that my back is to the concrete wall, and as soon as I’m trapped between the hard surface and his equally hard body, Kingston’s mouth crushes down on mine.

In that moment, I forget about all the high-society people we’ve encountered, all the angry glares I’ve received from Cheryl Withmore all night, all the food, the music, the conversation. It all disappears, and the only thing that matters is the way Kingston claims my mouth, the heat of his palms as they glide up under my dress.

“I need to taste you, Ellie. Right here, right now.”

There’s a desperation in his rough baritone that does me in. There’s no way I can say no to this man. Nor do I want to.

When his fingers ease beneath the thin fabric of my thong, I cling to his shoulders, trying to hold on. He’s not gentle and it turns me on. Within seconds, he’s thrusting one finger, then two, deep inside me.

Kingston’s hand slides under my left leg as he lifts it so that my knee is against his hip. Thankfully the wall is there for support or I’m pretty sure I would be a puddle on the floor.

“You’re so wet, Ellie.”

“Yeah, well…” I grin. “You totally do it for me.”

He flashes one of those sexy smiles back at me. “Let me taste you.”

I think he’s asking for permission, so of course, I nod. Arousal flares hot and bright, coiling inside me with an intensity I’ve never known before. I think of my conversation with Noelle. This would probably qualify as kinky, at least in my book. The fact that we’re in a storage closet with hundreds of people on the other side of the wall… It seems deliciously taboo.

And yes, despite my obvious willingness, I’m nervous. What if someone saw us come in here? What if someone needs … whatever it is they keep in this room?

“I want to fuck you with my tongue,” he groans roughly against my ear.

Okay, none of that seems to matter anymore because
seriously
…

Before I can tell him, “Yes, please,” Kingston drops to one knee before me, hefts my leg over his shoulder, and his mouth goes to work on me. I cry out, the warm rasp of his tongue so wicked I can hardly breathe. Clutching his head with one hand, I hold my dress up with the other, staring down my body to watch what he’s doing between my legs.

“Oh, God,” I moan, hoping no one hears me, but not really caring if they do. What Kingston is doing is better than anything I’ve felt in a really,
really
long time. Possibly ever.

When his fingers slide deep inside and his tongue flutters furiously against my clit, I can’t hold back. My orgasm turns me into a heated pool of sensation. If it weren’t for Kingston grabbing hold of me, I would’ve crumbled to the floor.

Then he’s back on his feet, his mouth locked to mine, and I taste myself on his tongue.

“Oh, God, Kingston,” I groan against his mouth as I clutch his shoulders. “Don’t stop now. I need ... more.”

“More what?” His deep voice rumbles in the small space. “Tell me what you need.”

“Fuck me.” The words come out breathless and needy but I don’t give a shit. “I need you to fuck me.” I need it more than air.

“Patience, little girl,” he whispers, his breath fanning my mouth. “Let’s go back out there and say good night first.”

“You can’t be serious.” I stare into his eyes and see that he very much is.

His lips curl up in a grin.

I’ll admit, that disappoints me. How does he expect me to walk into that room full of strangers after he’s succeeded in sending my body into hyperspace with his mouth?

As though he knows I’m gearing up for an argument, Kingston presses a soft kiss to my lips, rights my dress, which is still bunched up around my waist, then takes my hand. “Ten minutes, tops. Then we’ll be in the limo, and we’ll have all the time in the world.”

That makes me hotter than before, and I’m not sure how that’s possible.

Twenty minutes later (not ten as promised), Kingston and I are in the limo on the way back to my house. Well, technically we’ll be driving around for a bit based on Kingston’s instructions to the driver.

“Come here,” Kingston urges, pulling me into his lap.

Once again my dress finds its way up over my hips as I straddle him, our lips fused together as he fucks my mouth with his tongue. It’s as though the past few minutes didn’t exist and we’re right back in that closet. The tension in my body hasn’t abated, and my desperation has come to the forefront.

“It’s my turn,” I mumble against his lips.

He pulls back and his heated gaze drops to my mouth.

Looks like I don’t need to elaborate. Rather than do all the work myself, I ease off his lap and kneel on the floor by his feet, watching him.

“Ever since the shower, I’ve wanted to feel that sweet fucking mouth on my dick,” he rasps gruffly.

My pussy clenches from his words. This man’s dirty mouth makes my blood boil. Honestly, I never thought of myself as that type of girl, but I am. I definitely am.

I hone my patience as Kingston slowly—deliberately, no doubt—frees his cock from his slacks. With genuine interest, I take a moment to stare at him. His cock is thick, hard, and so freaking long, and can only be described as eager. As though it needs something now.

“Come here, little girl,” he whispers, his voice rough with arousal. “Put those sweet lips on my dick.”

Leaning in, I plant my hands on his thighs and allow my tongue to sweep over the swollen head. Kingston hisses, which encourages me to continue.

“So sweet,” he groans, his hand curling around the back of my head as he urges me closer. It’s a demanding move, one that I happen to like. A lot. “Put your mouth on me, Ellie.”

I do as he wishes, taking the head between my lips and sucking gently as I work more of him into my mouth. He’s huge, so I have to take things slow. Every rumble that comes from his throat makes me want to work that much harder to please him.

My senses are flooded by him. The intoxicating scent of his cologne, the smoothness of his cock against my tongue, the gentle bite of pain from his fingers twisting in my hair. In this moment, the only thing I can think about is this man and what I’m doing to him. I never thought I could be so daring, but Kingston brings out a side of me I didn’t know was there. A sexy side. A wanton side.

“Oh, yeah, Ell,” he groans long and low in his throat, his fingers clutching my hair tighter. “Don’t stop doing that.”

I don’t know what it is I’m doing specifically, but I don’t stop. I continue to bob up and down, languidly sucking and licking him. I want to savor him for as long as I can, but as his fingers continue to tighten in my hair, I know that won’t be much longer.

“I don’t want to come yet,” he mumbles. “Not until I’m inside you.”

Chills race down my spine and my pussy clenches again. His words dial up my internal thermostat a few more degrees.

When Kingston pulls free from my mouth, I wait to see what his plans are. I can’t help but smile, anticipating his next move. I don’t think I’ve ever been this turned on in my life.

“Turn around,” he instructs. “Put your hands on that seat.”

I turn around, still on my knees, and put my forearms on the seat directly across from him. I glance over my shoulder to see him ripping open a condom, then sheathing himself quickly. Kingston pushes my legs apart, and my knees scrape against the carpet, but I don’t care about the rug burn. I simply want what he’s so willing to give me.

His fingers slide my thong to the side, and then the thick head of his cock is pushing into me. I suck in air, relaxing so my body will stretch to accommodate him.

“Oh, fuck yes,” he groans.

When he’s seated fully inside me, his solid body covers mine, his chest against my back, his fingers linking with mine, his lips gliding along my jaw.

He feels so damn good.

“So tight, Ellie.”

Kingston begins a slow thrust and retreat, taking his time the same way I did a few minutes ago. He knows what he’s doing, sending me higher and higher.
I can’t hold back the moans, the urgent pleas for more. I figure the driver probably hears us, but I don’t care. This feels so good nothing else matters.

“Heaven,” he growls against my ear. “Being inside you is fucking heaven.”

“More,” I plead. “Please … Kingston … more.”

“Harder?” he asks, punctuating his question with a brutal thrust of his hips, filling me completely.

“Yes!”

He continues, his hips pumping faster, his thrusts becoming more urgent as he slams into me. My entire body is humming as he fucks me.

“I want to feel you come on my cock,” he mumbles against my ear. “You like it hard and fast?”

“Yes… Oh, God, yes…”

The heat of his chest disappears from my back, and his hands move to my hips. His fingers dig into my sensitive flesh as he drives into me over and over, faster, deeper, harder. It’s more than I can take. The sensations are exquisite. Heat coils low, and an electrical current begins to radiate outward to all my limbs.

“Oh … oh, yes…” Kingston takes me hard and fast, driving me right to the razor-sharp edge, where I hover for long seconds before… “Kingston! I’m…” I can’t even get the words out because I’m spiraling out of control, my mind and body obliterated by pleasure.

“Come for me, Ellie.” His hips slam into me again and again.

And I do exactly that. My muscles lock as my climax races through me, leveling me with an intensity I never expected.

From behind me, Kingston roars his release, and I know without a doubt that whatever it is we’re doing here … whatever arrangement we might’ve had … this thing between us is taking a dangerous turn, and at this point, I don’t think there’s any going back.

At least not for me.